Cornelius Korir, a 40-year-old member of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) at St. Mathias Mulumba Church in Mombasa, was spared from the Salama road crash that claimed 17 lives. Korir had planned to travel with fellow church members to Subukia for prayers, but two days before the trip, he was informed that the vehicle was full and was asked to book a separate bus ticket. The association sent him the fare, and he booked a bus ticket departing on Friday from Ngamwe bus station.
According to Korir, about an hour into his journey, a colleague called to say a seat had opened up in the original vehicle. However, it was too late, as Korir had already purchased his ticket. He continued to keep in contact with his travelling colleagues throughout the day, exchanging messages with the group until their final exchange at around 2 a.m. Shortly afterwards, news of the crash reached him. Korir described the moment he received the news as shocking and painful, having known well the people who were in the vehicle.
The Salama road crash occurred on Friday, and among those killed were 16 pilgrims and their driver. The pilgrims were travelling to Subukia Shrine when the accident happened. One of the victims, Veronica Ngandi, had been planning to get married in two months, with her dowry already paid. The news of her death, along with the others, was met with sadness and shock.
Upon returning from Subukia, Korir walked back into St. Mathias Mulumba Church, aware that the 17 fellow worshippers he had expected to pray alongside would not be coming home. The men and women he had known well were among those killed in the crash. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with road travel and the importance of being vigilant.
A memorial Mass was held for the victims, and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir announced that the government would cover the families' burial costs. The governor's move was seen as a gesture of support and solidarity with the families of the victims. The community came together to mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Korir's story serves as a testament to the power of chance and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. His decision to travel separately ultimately saved his life, but it also left him to grapple with the loss of his friends and acquaintances. The incident has left a lasting impact on Korir and the community.
The Salama road crash was a tragic reminder of the dangers of road travel, and the need for vigilance and caution on the roads. The incident has sparked conversations about road safety and the measures that can be taken to prevent such accidents in the future. The community continues to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
Key points
- Cornelius Korir was told the vehicle was full and had to travel separately, ultimately saving his life.
- The Salama road crash killed 17 people, including 16 pilgrims and their driver.
- A memorial Mass was held for the victims, and the government covered their burial costs.
